Located on the eastern shore of the Bruce Peninsula, Cape Croker offers access to some of the most stunning views on the Bruce Trail, and several hikes closer to camp.
Travelling north-west along the beach, you can stroll comfortably across the wetlands using Ginebek Miikaans (Snake Trail Boardwalk).
Winding through the Park for almost 4 kilometers, the trail is marked by white blazes and follows the Niagara Escarpment 900 kms from Niagara to Tobermory.
Following the white-blazed (Main Trail) path to a metal staircase, you reach the top of Sydney Bay Bluff. This perspective provides the best views of the park, and some would argue, the most scenic vistas of the entire Bruce Trail.
Ginebek Miikaans (the Snake Trail Boardwalk) is a 900m stretch of the Bruce Trail that arcs along the west shore.
Just a couple metres onto the boardwalk, you are able to see an active part of the beaver dam. Further on still is a viewing platform. Look out from that platform, and you can see the domes of beaver lodges between hummocks of vegetation. If you are lucky – in the early evening or morning – you might just come across some beaver activity.
The boardwalk crosses over a creek, and curves out back to the shoreline. Along the way, you will pass a sinkhole – water pouring into the ground. Sometimes, if there is enough water you can see the vortex. There is a shoreline viewing platform where you can sit and be amazed at the beauty of Wiikwedoonse.
The boardwalk ends in the cedars and comes to an intersection. The left is the continuation of the Bruce Trail and heads to "The Ladder." The right leads to Dkib (the Spring). Proudly, the Chippewas of Nawash are the recipient for the Bruce Trail's first Calypso Orchid Environmental Award for the Ginebik Miikaans.
The boardwalk is closed to bicycles, and high water levels have made it unsafe for wheelchairs.
Waazh Miikaans (Cave Trail) meanders through tall maples from the roadside parking to the first huge moss-covered boulder.
This is a short rugged trail. You will climb and crawl over, under, through and around house-size boulders. Look for the majestic cedar with its roots clinging down the sides of one of these boulders. It's amazing!
Sturdy footwear is advisable, and remember the rocks are slippery when they are wet.
Ziibaakdakaan Miikaans (the Sugar Bush Trail) is located in the area behind the maple syrup facility.
This is a nice wide trail. The high maple canopy, the open forest, the sunlight filtering through the leaves evokes a feeling of grandeur. This hardwood forest is always a few degrees cooler on hot summer days.
Plastic tubing strung between the trees is visible. This tubing is how maple sap is collected in the early spring. Please do not tamper with this tubing.
To learn more about Ziibaakdakaan Maple and syrup production, ask Park staff or take a tour with one of our experienced Anishinaabe guides.
Stories tell us that along time ago, Mkwa took care of the first Anishinaabe children, fed them and kept them warm. Another story tells us that each year during Mkwa Giizis or Bear Moon also known as February, bear cubs venture outside their cozy dens to play. If their play is brief, then winter will be long. If they stay out, then spring is fast approaching.
The bear is known as a healer and peacekeeper who taught our people about the medicines. Some of our people have bear names like Mkoons (Little Bear) or Mko-kwe (Bear Woman). Some of our people belong to the Mkwa Dodem (Bear Clan). Some people have bears as "spirit helpers."
Seeing a bears in a natural setting like out in a field or crossing the road somewhere is an exciting and memorable experience. However, this is not necessarily so in a campground or on someone’s deck. This is why we built garbage depots, purchased recycling bins and closed our dump. In doing so, we have given responsibility to our campers and visitors to help us keep bears safe. Bear is called The Rememberer because Bear always remembers where to find food.
Help us protect our bears and all other critters who share their world with us.
Our Park attendants will be around to encourage your continued assistance in keeping bears safe.
Our campground was developed as a family campground. We want to keep it that way. You can help to maintain the ambience and atmosphere of this place. Our rules are guides to ensure you and other Park visitors have an enjoyable, safe and memorable camping experience.
Common complaints over the years:
Please take a few minutes to review these rules.